Linda Socha

Mrs. Linda Sue (Vaughan) Socha, 77, wife, mother, grandmother, GG, sister, aunt, beloved friend, and beautiful soul, died peacefully on March 29, 2020, following complications while recovering from a hip fracture.

Linda was born in January 1943 to James Earl and Ellen Vaughan in Eagleville, TN. She was strongly connected to her family growing up and maintained those relationships throughout her life. However, her family was not limited to only those related by blood. Linda enjoyed spending time with those she cared about and truly loved creating meaningful connections with everyone around her. She loved and cared deeply for the people in her life; family, friends, clients, and even people that inspired or touched her that she communicated with though had never met in person. She sincerely valued each relationship and had a unique way of conveying that. If you've ever had a Linda hug, heard her speak your name with so much affection, or you shared a good belly-laugh, you understand.

Linda's irrepressible spirit was apparent from early on. At age 12, she decided that it was time for her to get a job. She set out one day determined to meet her goal by day's end. In pure Linda fashion, she succeeded in what she put her will and heart into accomplishing. That drive and determination served her well over the course of her life and career.

Linda graduated from Central High School in Columbus, Ohio in 1960; she was still connected with many classmates at the time of her passing. After the birth of her children Roy, Lucinda, and Yvonne, she went on to study Psychology and Education at Middle Tennessee State University. There, she obtained her MA in Psychology in 1971. Linda spent many years working in childhood education where she provided consultation, evaluation and counseling. She also provided in-service training and education for teachers, staff and parents. Linda founded and directed a private early childhood education program at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Murfreesboro and worked with numerous Head Start Programs in 13 counties across Middle TN for over 20 years. She served as a Psychological Consultant for Rutherford County Schools, a designated Mental Health Consultant to Franklin County Department of Human Services, President of South Central Association for Young Children, a board member for the Tennessee Association for Young Children, and many others. In addition to her involvement in numerous areas of mental health services for children, Linda also worked as a Psychological Consultant for many state drug and alcohol programs over the years.

In 1984 Linda opened her private practice, Reflections Forum in Murfreesboro, TN, and dedicated herself to helping and caring for her clients until she finished this life's journey. Linda was passionate about her career and was well respected in her field. She had a way of connecting and caring for her clients in a way that created lasting relationships even outside of the clinical setting. She loved getting updates from people and genuinely cared about them and their well-being.

In 2000 Linda met and fell in love with college music instructor and photography enthusiast John Ford. They were married in a little historic church in Cheatham County, TN on March 25th, 2005. Linda and John shared a love for music and had many fond memories of various travels together. They enjoyed participating in a monthly poetry club with friends, spending time with family, and snuggling together with their five cats: Rags, Little Bit, Weasley, Inky, and Freckles.

It is impossible to fit all that she was into these few short paragraphs. Linda was a kind soul who was outgoing and never met a stranger. Those who knew her can attest that she was always there for her family, friends. and clients and was always available to lend an ear, share valuable insight and give encouragement whenever the occasion called for it. She was a bright light who motivated and uplifted all who came across her path.

Linda was a lover of poetry, music and the arts. She was fond of animals, especially her kitties. She was passionate, feisty, had a zest for life, and above all she valued connection and togetherness. Words cannot describe how missed she will be, but her love, lessons and life will forever remain as cherished memories by all she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband John Philip Ford; son Roy Pruitt (Helen); daughters, Lucinda Finley and Yvonne Mills (David); granddaughters, Naomi Emery (Mark), Jessica Pruitt, Rhiannon Pruitt and Leah Simmons (Yamoni); great-grandchildren, Tristan and Autumn Emery, and Zechariah and Amaya Simmons; John's children; John Ford Jr. (Barbara), Jane Champion (Chris) and Jim Ford; grandchildren; Philip, Peter, and Jennifer Ford, Paige and Reagan Champion and Haley Ford; sister Jerri Eddington (Bob); brothers Charles Vaughan (Mary Alice) and Ed Vaughan; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family and life-long friends.

She is in joyful reunion with parents James Earl and Ellen Vaughan; brothers James "Jim" Vaughan and Edwin Earl Vaughan; sister Rose Marie Hosler; and daughter-in-law Gay Ramsay Pruitt.

In Linda's memory, memorial donations may be given to the Nashville Humane Society ( https://nashvillehumane.org/ ) or the Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro ( https://www.catfeine.net/ ) The mission of both places reflects the love and life value she placed on her furry friends.

Due to current global and local circumstances, the family will postpone memorial services to a future date. In lieu of a service at this time, we invite you to visit Linda's Facebook page and share any thoughts, photos or special memories.

The family of Linda Sue (Vaughan) Socha wishes to thank the McKendree Village Rehabilitation program and Summit Hospital, in particular, nurse Stacey and nurse Rose, who provided her care during her final days.